Hall of Fame accolade for ex-Ireland and Ulster star Longwell

Former Ireland and Ulster rugby star Gary Longwell has been inducted into Newtownabbey Council’s Sporting Hall of Fame.

Longwell received the accolade at the local authority’s annual Sports Awards on Wednesday evening.

An ex-pupil of Ballyclare High School, the lock forward went on to represent Ireland 26 times and was part of the 2003 World Cup squad in Australia.

He was the first Ulster player to win 100 caps and was part of the 1999 team which lifted the European Cup.

Newtownabbey Sports AwardsNewtownabbey Sports Awards
Newtownabbey Sports Awards

Also recognised at the gala bash was ex-Linfield boss David Jeffrey. He picked up the Janet Parkinson Memorial Award.

Boxer Paddy Barnes was named Adult Sportsperson of the Year, while fellow Commonwealth Games competitor Danielle Hill won Junior Sportsperson of the Year.

Award winners

Services to Sport: Patricia Hall (Hockey)

Junior Team of the Year: Ballyclare RFC Mini Rugby

Club of the Year: Abbey Judo Club

Coach of the Year: Johnny Foster (Golf)

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Danielle Hill (Swimming)

Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Carole Catling (Table Tennis)

Adult Sportsperson of the Year: Paddy Barnes (Boxing)

Janet Parkinson Memorial Award: David Jeffrey (Football)

Hall of Fame inductee: Gary Longwell (Rugby)